Pesto Pasta Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Adore

If you’re a fan of vibrant flavors and wholesome meals, vegetarian pesto pasta recipes are sure to become your new favorite go-to dishes. Bursting with fresh herbs, nuts, and a hint of garlic, pesto creates a luscious sauce that perfectly coats your pasta, making every bite a delight.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, pesto pasta offers versatility, nutrition, and simplicity all in one.

In this blog post, we’ll explore multiple vegetarian pesto pasta recipes that cater to different tastes and occasions. From the classic basil pesto pasta to unique twists featuring sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, these recipes are all about bringing fresh, plant-based ingredients together in a harmonious way.

Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and serving ideas to help you customize your pesto pasta experience. Let’s dive into the delicious world of vegetarian pesto pasta!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pesto pasta is a fantastic vegetarian dish that combines the rich flavors of fresh herbs and nuts with the comforting texture of pasta. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Quick and Easy: Most pesto pasta recipes can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with fresh basil, spinach, nuts, and olive oil, these recipes provide healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs, such as using gluten-free pasta or vegan cheese.
• Versatile: Great as a main dish or a side, and pairs well with a variety of vegetables and proteins.
• Vibrant Flavors: The herbal, garlicky, and tangy notes in pesto bring a fresh burst of flavor to simple pasta.

Ingredients

Below is a general list of ingredients you’ll need for a classic basil pesto pasta, followed by variations in the instructions section.

• 250g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (use nutritional yeast for vegan option)
• 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula leaves
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Food processor or blender for making pesto
• Colander to drain pasta
• Large mixing bowl or pasta pot for tossing pasta with pesto
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or pasta tongs
• Grater for Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta using a colander.
2. Prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse several times until coarsely chopped.
3. Add cheese and oil: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the processor runs, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Toss pasta and pesto: In a large mixing bowl or the pasta pot, toss the drained pasta with the pesto sauce until evenly coated. Add additional pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency.
5. Add optional ingredients: For extra color and nutrition, gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach or arugula. The residual heat will slightly wilt the greens without overpowering their freshness.
6. Serve: Plate the pesto pasta and garnish with extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Optionally, drizzle a bit of lemon juice for a bright finish.

Tips & Variations

“For a nut-free pesto, substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds without compromising flavor.”

• Vegan Pesto: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.
• Spinach Pesto: Swap half the basil for fresh spinach for a milder, nutrient-rich sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Blend in 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes with the basil for a tangy twist.
• Herb Mix: Try mixing basil with parsley, cilantro, or mint for a unique flavor profile.
• Roasted Veggies: Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to the pasta for added texture and taste.
• Storage: Store leftover pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning and refrigerate up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Serving Suggestions

Pesto pasta is a wonderfully adaptable dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any leftover pesto sauce.
• Add a side of roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes.
• Top with toasted pine nuts or vegan Parmesan for extra texture and flavor.
• For an added protein boost, serve alongside grilled tofu or chickpea patties.

Delicious Vegetarian Pesto Pasta Recipes to Try

Classic Basil Pesto Pasta

The quintessential pesto pasta featuring fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. Simple, fresh, and timeless.

Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta

Swap half the basil for fresh spinach and use walnuts instead of pine nuts for a heartier, nutrient-packed version. This pesto has a vibrant green color and a rich, earthy flavor.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Add a tangy twist by blending sun-dried tomatoes into your pesto. This variation pairs especially well with penne or farfalle pasta and is fantastic topped with fresh baby spinach.

Lemon Arugula Pesto Pasta

Brighten your pesto with peppery arugula, fresh lemon juice, and zest. This fresh and zesty pesto complements spaghetti or linguine beautifully and is perfect for spring and summer meals.

Kale and Almond Pesto Pasta

For a nutrient-dense alternative, try kale pesto made with toasted almonds. This robust pesto is perfect for thicker pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli and pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables.

Each of these recipes follows the basic pesto preparation method outlined above, swapping or adding ingredients to suit your mood and pantry. Feel free to experiment and create your own signature pesto pasta dish!

Conclusion

Vegetarian pesto pasta recipes offer a perfect blend of fresh ingredients, ease of preparation, and delightful flavors that can satisfy any pasta lover. Whether you stick to the classic basil pesto or explore variations like sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto, these dishes are nutritious, versatile, and endlessly customizable.

They’re ideal for quick meals, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to a comforting, healthy dinner.

By mastering the basics and trying out different pesto combinations, you can enjoy a wide range of delicious pasta meals that highlight the best of vegetarian cooking. Plus, pesto pasta pairs wonderfully with many other vegetarian dishes, so check out some of our other recipes like Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners, Recipes with Spinach Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas, and Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes Easy and Delicious Ideas for more inspiration.

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